Hello! Quick update again: I’m in the midst of studying for my first national board exam called USMLE Step 1. I am basically holed up all day in my apartment doing practice questions from the moment I wake up to the moment I sleep – ah! So very, very sorry for the lack of updates and contact, hopefully can get more active in May after my big test! Medical school is no joke!
But there is always time for Rilakkuma!! Check out the amazingly cute Valentines 2015 Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma!
Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
Each bear is holding a bouquet of hearts, and there’s a little hidden Rilakkuma in there, too!
Korilakkuma’s heart bouquet has a different, pinker color scheme that matches her! A cute set of hearts of all different textures!
One of the coolest details about this series is that they come with these super cute sturdy tags that say “I love Rilakkuma” on them! And my favorite detail is that the hole in the “e” is a bear shape!
And of course, the come with regular tags, too! I wonder what color heart Kiiroitori’s tag is?
I love their bouquet of hearts! I think I’d prefer a bouquet of hearts over a bouquet of flowers (I’m allergic to most flowers haha).
In honor of these wintery months, I present the Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set!
Rilakkuma and friends get to relax on a giant polar bear!
Rilakkuma’s arms back in a perfect relaxed pose!
Korilakkuma lazes around with her favorite toy penguin!
The bears get their own striped boots, while Kiiroitori gets… some shorts? Looks kind of like a diaper hehehe.
The polar bear! Whose ear features a blue and white striped pattern, and is continuous on the back side of the plush, too!
One of my favorite Rilakkuma details from this year: little striped bear! Wow, so adorable! Wish they also sold a larger plush bear like him!
Tag art: just like the plush itself!
Awesome! I absolutely love plush sets like this :3
This plush was a Rilakkuma Store exclusive honoring the opening of the 9th Rilakkuma Store in Kobe back in April! This plush follows the Stripes Series theme, which debuted a month prior to the Kobe Rilakkuma Store grand opening. How great to have this little piece of Rilakkuma history!
Big thanks to my Auntie Lulu for helping me acquire this cuddly plush! She has been so wonderful in helping me get new Rilakkumas lately :3
There have been quite a few new happenings in the Rilakkuma world since I last posted, but here are a couple of recent highlights!
Hehehe, what a unique plushie design! This boxed plush set costs 7,800円 (6,800円 for those with a paid membership), and orders will be taken until January 13.
Manufactured by Refrear, these cute contacts are 1,800円 for 10 contacts (5 single-day uses). They’re a nice, subtle look – I wonder how many people would even notice a change if I wore these though?
Wow! I really love this concept and design! This auspicious plushie is 8,230円, and will be released on January 1 and 2 in all Rilakkuma Stores.
Hatsuyume (初夢) is the Japanese word for the first dream had in the new year. Traditionally, the contents of the dream would foretell the luck of the dreamer, and it is considered to be particularly good luck to dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant – how awesome to see these 3 symbols in this plushie! I’m guessing a dream with Rilakkuma would make you even luckier! ;)
Apologies for the lack of updates recently: schooling and responsibilities just get in the way of things sometimes, eh?
How has your winter been going this year? Any Rilakkumas for gifts?
My family surprised me with an XL Winnie the Pooh Tsum Tsum last night!
Rilakkuma and Pooh Bear Tsum Tsum wish you a happy new year!
My family is so thoughtful! That Tsum Tsum game is way too addicting! Hope everyone is having a wonderful time as 2014 comes to a close!
Now that it’s starting to get chilly around these parts, how about a warm hot pot stave off the cold?
Presenting… the Hot Pot (Nabe, 鍋) Rilakkuma Plush Set!
Who could be inside?
It’s a plush Rilakkuma hot pot!
Out of the box!
Every item, all snug inside!
All of the ingredients inside, laid out!
Rilakkuma is a green onion (長ネギ), Korilakkuma is a squid (イカ), and Kiiroitori is a shiitake (しいたけ) mushroom!
Rilakkuma holds a green onion like a backpack!
Ingredients: 3 x napa cabbage (白菜) with 1 x that is bear-shaped, 1 x tofu (豆腐) with a Rilakkuma face, 3 x carrot pieces (にんじん) with 1 x that is bear-shaped, 1 x shrimp (エビ), 1 x shiratake noodle (しらたき) bunch, and 1 x shiitake (しいたけ) mushroom.
I was really excited about this purchase, and it’s probably going to my major investment this winter! Since I have a bad habit of splurging during the spring/summer, I usually cut down significantly on buying during the winter months, but this year, this hot pot set is my exception!
I definitely have too much fun with this set – assembling and reassembling them in different configurations can be quite therapeutic haha.
Nabe (鍋) refers to a variety of Japanese hot pot dishes that are traditionally cooked and kept hot by portable stoves in the middle of the dining table – a really great way to share a meal among family and friends!
Amazingly, this plush set not only comes with an adorable collection of Rilakkuma hot pot ingredients, but since it was originally intended to serve as a gift set, it also comes with a gift certificate to order hot pot ingredients out of a choice of 11 different hot pot combinations!
This one I put in the front looks the closest to the plush hot pot, I think! (Cameo appearance in the corner by hard-working paperweight, Factory Rilakkuma)
Yum! Haven’t picked which one I’d like yet – they all look really great! Just in time for winter, too!
What kind of noodle dishes is your favorite? Personally, I am quite partial to udon soups.
Great! Love their little daruma of each other. Would love to see a combo plush with all three of them like they did for this year’s Year of the Horse 2014 Rilakkuma Store Exclusive. The sheep is Simon’s zodiac year, so hopefully I can pick one up for him!
A special double feature showcasing my first two miniplushies – I usually collect the standard 22 cm plushies, and have been pretty hesitant about miniplushies… but I gotta say, after seeing and holding these two in person, I’m a true miniplush believer now!
First up is the Rilakkuma x JINS PC plushie!
Great commitment to eye protection, Rilakkuma!
Unlike the sunglasses in the Aloha Series, his glasses do not have an elastic band in the back.
His new glasses protect him from the light from his electronics! Do you think he’s holding an iPhone or an iPad?
Tag art: I love how the tag art matches his face and fabric tag art, too!
He reminds me a lot of my sister because she has a Rilakkuma iPhone case like he does, and she used to wear glasses too hehehe.
Next is the Rilakkuma Factory Series plushie! Well, he’s more of a soft and cuddly paperweight rather than a standard collectible plush, but super cute nonetheless!
Ready to work!
His lovely red and blue bowtie also has a special metal Rilakkuma medal!
One of my favorite designs, this tag art gives you instructions on “how to use” this plush as a paperweight! And lets you know that he weighs 230 g – wow!
Not only did I get the plush paperweight, but a pencil case and holder for Simon’s art projects, too!
I’m super thankful to my aunt for helping me get these plushies! Every time she goes (or hears of one of her friends going) to Japan, she always sees if she can pick up a Rilakkuma plushie or two for me – so thoughtful! My favorite part of collecting Rilakkuma is that everyone helps each other out!
School has been pretty wild on my end as modules are now only 6 weeks long, meaning I am studying for an exam just about every month! But Rilakkuma news keeps on rolling, so let’s do a quick run of what’s new in the Rilakkuma world:
Rilakkuma La Fraise Series (パリのいちご): this sweet, Parisian revisit of the 2010 Bonjour Series is scheduled for release on December 6!
A beautiful Parisian-themed strawberry series!
How posh! Standard series: 1,880円 each
These plushies can fit inside their strawberries! Well, except for Kiiroitori… Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Series: 1,780円 each.
Interesting choice of fruit – I thought that since Rilakkuma has had so many strawberry themed series in the past (like in 2009), they would pick another fruit, but hey, I love strawberries and strawbears, so I can’t complain haha.
Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Knit Goods (ニットグッズ): out already this November, this cute combo knit series takes the success of the Winter Heart Series from last year and makes Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi even more bundled up!
I love the color scheme they gave to Rilakkuma! Standard plushies: 1,780円 each.
They’re in mittens!! Hanging plushies: 1,200円 each.
Wow! Such a cute poncho design! I love these Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi collabs – combining my 2 favorite character series!
Rilakkuloset Winter 2014 (リラックローゼット): the Rilakkuloset Series debuted in 2013, and features furniture outfits that you can purchase for your M and S Classic Rilakkumas! This year, the outfits are more elaborate and were released this November – check it out!
Wow, look at all of those designs!
Ready for a rainy day! Frog raincoats and accessories (boots, umbrella, and teru teru bozu) for S Classics: 1,620円 each.
Sleepy time! Pajama top and pants set and accessories (hat and plush) for M Classics: 2,700円 each
Don’t forget to get furniture too! Sofa: 1,500円, Bathtub: 2,500円, Bed: 2,500円.
I regrettably have not been tracking Rilakkuloset very closely, but they have some really fantastic outfits out! The above is just a sample of their Rilakkuloset line from this year, which also features a marine set, fuzzy coat set, and rabbit set!
Christmas 2014: also out now, this year’s Christmas series is super special, with a festive patterned stole for the standard series, and a cute limited edition plush Christmas tree, too!
Wow, they brought back the Indifferent Snowperson again! I love the bear-shaped wreath, too! Standard plushies: 1,800円 each.
And Kiiroitori is the star on top of the tree this year! Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Christmas tree plush: 10,000円.
Really lovely! I always look forward to seeing what the Christmas specials are like!
Lemon Series: sneak peek for the series to be released in March 2015 – Rilakkuma and pals become lemon farmers!
Wow, great overalls!
Wow! They look great! I love using lemons in my tea and when I cook, so I might pick up one of these! You can pre-order this series now over at Mira Plush.
That’s all for now! Any sets coming out that have piqued your interest?
Please give a warm welcome to Shinkansen Rilakkuma!
Bullet train bear!
Front and center!
S1 denotes the 8-car N700-7000 series train set!
Cool detail that the side window/door design is slightly different from the Dr. Yellow series!
And of course, reminding you which series this bullet train bear is from on the back!
Tag art features Rilakkuma conspicuously not as a train haha, just riding one.
The two bullet train bears meet! Will there be more to join them in the future?
Super adorable! This bear-turned-train/train-turned-bear was released August 2014 to commemorate the Tōkaidō Shinkansen’s 50th birthday!
The Shinkansen (新幹線) is a network of high-speed railways in Japan, and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the world’s busiest high-speed rail line – it has transported more passengers than any other line in the world!
Richelle mentioned that this Shinkansen Rilakkuma kinda looks like an airplane haha – especially since trains aren’t terribly commonplace where I’m from, I’d agree too haha.
You know, I never thought of myself as someone who was really fanatical about transportation, but I’ve collected all of the train line-related Rilakkumas so far (Yamanote, Dr. Yellow, and now Shinkansen) so who knows anymore haha.
This event will feature a special Rilakkuma photo booth, Rilakkuma prize packs for those who post their Rilakkuma day photos on social media, Rilakkuma-themed lolita girls, as well as the latest Rilakkuma goods!
Even if you can’t make the event, Rilakkuma displays will be up at the NYC FAO Schwarz for the rest of October!
Since I’m all the way down south here in Florida, I unfortunately will not be able to attend T^T but! I’ll be interviewing the lead organizer of this event afterwards, so stay tuned!
If you do end up attending, shoot me an email at rilakkumalifestyle@gmail.com – I would love to hear how you thought the event went!
This year’s collaboration includes 3 blanket designs (70 cm x 120 cm) featuring Rilakkuma and pals with the many different donut types offered at Mister Donut!
From what I understand, for every purchase over 300円 at a participating Mister Donut, you get a card, and then you can redeem 8 cards for one of these special edition Misdo Rilakkuma blankets – wow!
If I can, I’m gonna try to snag one on the auctions! It’s about to start getting chilly (well, relatively), so I could use a nice warm blanket! I’m thinking the pink or blue design right now – which do you like best?
Rilakkuma’s collaborations with Mister Donut have always held a special place in my heart – my Misdo Rilakkuma plushie was one of the first in my collection!
Lots of cool Rilakkuma things for the month of October! What are you looking forward to the most?
I can’t wait to share this Rilakkuma with you – it’s La Japonaise Rilakkuma!
Beautiful vivid colors, just like Monet was famous for! And good to finally see a Rilakkuma turning to his right side hahaha
Kiiroitori standing in as the fearsome samurai!
Rilakkuma holds a beautiful red, white, and blue fan – and even the white crescent matches the original art!
A parallel metallic leaf motif, and of course Rilakkuma would be hiding away a dango in his left paw!
Tag art featuring the illustrated Rilakkuma interpretation of the original piece! Looks like Kiiroitori hopped off the kimono for this one haha
Simon also drew this sketch of La Japonaise Rilakkuma today – I love it!
What do you think? Does the Rilakkuma interpretation capture the essence of the original work to you? I think the Rilakkuma version is much more adorable hehehe
This Rilakkuma design is based on Claude Monet’s La Japonaise (above). As I wrote about in a previous post, this Rilakkuma plush is especially exceptional to me because it’s such a subversive take on the Western gaze upon Japan that was so dominant during the era of Japonsime. Besides being exceedingly cute, this plushie design has so many layers to it as a Japanese take on a famous Western piece inspired by Japan.
This plushie commemorates Looking East: Western Artists and the Allure of Japan, an exhibit at the Setagaya Art Museum in Tokyo this summer where Monet’s La Japonaise was displayed! The exhibit will also be moving to Nagoya in January, and I’m guessing this Rilakkuma will be following La Japonaise there as well!
Pull the toy mouse from Rilakkuma’s ear and watch them come back together again! 1,680円.
Kiiroitori is interactive too! 1,680円.
Korilakkuma sadly doesn’t have an interactive component to her, but she does still have a little kitten to play with! 1,380円.
Wow! I love how interactive these plushies will be!
These plushies will be released October 4th. Wow, can’t believe October is so close – guess I have to start looking for a Halloween costume!
In American news, San-X was recruiting for Rilakkuma lolita girls to staff their NYC events on October 10-11! Darn, official Rilakkuma events always seem to be so far away, but one day, I hope to be able to cover an event like this in person to share with all of you!
Whew! I am so glad to be done with that cardiopulmonary exam – what a doozy! Now that I’m in the endocrine/reproductive module, I feel much more relaxed like Rilakkuma!
Special thank you to Trinie for the Space Series bag that is the beautiful backdrop for today’s photoshoot!! These shopping bags are so meaningful to me because as a Rilakkuma fan who depends on online ordering, I rarely get the special edition bags for every series! Especially as a fan who loves the illustrations, I am so appreciative – thanks a ton, Trinie!!
Speaking of the Space Series, next up is Space Series Rilakkuma!
Greetings from outer space!
His space suit has a similar color scheme and belt as the Space Series Store Exclusive Rilakkuma, but with different designs: this suit features a different Rilakkuma logo as well as a dango with its planetary rings!
Rilakkuma’s space suit is completely attached to his body so no signs of the back zipper typical of Rilakkuma, but there is somewhat of a replication of his back zipper on his helmet!
Amazingly cute embroidery in the back, with a little planet as the dot in the “i”! I also love the three stars embroidered throughout the suit and helmet, which represent the 3 colors of the Rilakkuma team’s suits (yellow for Rilakkuma, pink for Korilakkuma, and blue for Kiiroitori).
His helmet is removable by the back zipper, and can be transferred to any other standard collectible sized bear so they can play astronaut, too! Though the helmet is not the easiest to get on and off due to Rilakkuma’s ears haha
Hahaha I think this is the only Rilakkuma I have who is truly covered from head to toe! Well except for his little paws peeking out hehehe.
Like the JAXA collab, the Space Series came out in July 2014.
Since I went a little nuts this summer on Rilakkuma, I decided to restrain myself and only get the brown bear from this set. I think Bear Nation has a pretty thriving space program between this astronaut, JAXA Rilakkuma, planet Rilakkuma, and the 3 space explorers (Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Kumartians) haha.
As a JINS PC follow-up: have you seen their super cute promotions and interviews?
Make sure you check out the Rilakkuma page at the JINS website for more cuteness – my favorite is definitely the interview with one of the physicians endorsing the product (lots more adorable photos at the source!).
Kiiroitori turned into a swan paddle boat! Like the Egg Series, Kiiroitori transforms into another bird species haha. Miniplushies 1,500円 each.
These plushies look really cute and clever hehe, I always love when the designs deviate a little from standard – sitting on things, different facial expressions, etc. The different color theme swan boats (yellow for Rilakkuma, blue for Kiiroitori, and pink for Korilakkuma) is a great touch! I really like how Korilakkuma got her own swan boat crown too haha. These plushies will be available on October 11!
As always, I do love how culturally relevant these anniversary plushies are! Swan paddle boats are a popular attraction at Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園) in Kichijoji.
One day, I hope to visit every Rilakkuma Store, but I especially want to visit Kichijoji because the Ghibli Museum is also in Inokashira Park! Do you like Studio Ghibli films? My favorite is Spirited Away! Though really, I haven’t met a Studio Ghibli film I didn’t like!
Cats love Rilakkuma, too! This photo was taken by Jemolian’s Store, who sold Rilakkuma merchandise at the event!
According to the event page, Bon Japan holds this themed Rilakkuma cafe event every year, and this year, the event was held on August 30 at the Cat Cafe to celebrate the upcoming Cats Series! Hahaha what a clever collaboration!
The Cat Cafe is a cafe that allows you to play with cats while you dine and relax, and part of the proceeds were donated to the Cat Welfare Society!
At this year’s event, a man proposed to his girlfriend of 11 years – in a Rilakkuma suit! Check out a few videos and photos over at Stomp.
I have my first exam of my second year of medical school next Friday on cardiopulmonary diseases so things will be quiet from me until then! Until then, take care!
Totally an impulse buy, and such a steal! I usually browse through the Rilakkuma auctions on Yahoo Japan for stress relief haha, and grabbed this guy for just 500円 – that’s less than $5 USD!
Speaking of buying, there are a couple of sales going on in the Rilakkuma fan community!
For sale by Ane!
For Rilakkuma fans in the United States, Ane is selling:
Staying Up Late (夜ふかし) Rilakkuma (with tag) and Kiiroitori (without tag), both in good condition, originally released October 2009. Discounts available if both are purchased together.
Fansclub Sweets & Sweets Rilakkuma (new with tag), originally released February 2012.
And furthermore, famed and former Rilakkuma blogger Mary/Moggymawee is selling her ENTIRE Rilakkuma collection!
All for sale by Mary!
Check out her collection on Facebook – a few of her plushies will be listed on eBay, too!
Her collection is super expansive with lots of amazing plushies from throughout the years. All of her plushies have never been played with, and all have their original tags.
Wow! In addition to a taiyaki Rilakkuma (YAY), I also spy some giant Korilakkuma/Kiiroitori cats, a lounging Rilakkuma with kitten, a kitten Korilakkuma in a box, and Kiiroitori in a sailor’s outfit! What other new designs can you spot?
Looks like there are a lot of great things to come in the up coming year for the Rilakkuma world!
San-X also had a lot of other cool displays at the Gift Show this year:
A display about their awesome collabs from this year! JAXA, JINS PC, and Rilakkuma’s tribute to Claude Monet’s La Japonaise – beautiful! (I have 2 of these bears!)
And all of their transportation-themed bears! (I have one from each of these series!)
Fantastic! I love seeing Rilakkuma displays so I can get ideas for my own home display hehehe.
Have you heard about the Hello Kitty convention coming to the US at the end of October? I hope Rilakkuma will get popular enough to have a convention in the US eventually, too!
What a incredibly cute design! Love the little Santa Shirokuma sneaking around hehehe.
Hehehe look at this cute little story!
Couldn’t let Rilakkuma and friends have all the fun this year!
As always, the details are incredible! From the little crane claw in the corner to the pickle in the stocking (I especially love that the home is made of soft bricks), everything is so adorably cute and detailed!
This handsome set is 7,500円. Pre-orders are open from now until September 30, with delivery expected in December.
Haha lots of holiday news recently – do I have to start getting into the holiday mood? It’s still in the 90’s here in Florida, so it still feels like summer!
School has really geared up in the past few weeks, so my apologies for the infrequency. But without further ado, check out the Space Rilakkuma Rilakkuma Plushie – Rilakkuma Store Exclusive!
Go to the future, Rilakkuma!
One of my favorite details: a stack of pancakes with a star-shaped butter pat on top – mmmm!
Ooooh Rilakkuma is also holding a delicious dango with it’s own planetary ring system and star!
I think they did such a great job with his spacesuit – usually glittery fabric tends to have a coarse texture, but this one (and all the other plushies in this set) have maintained their soft and smooth texture!
More fantastic details: a cute scarf, embroidered Rilakkuma space insignia, and bear-shaped belt buckle!
Tag art: Rilakkuma promoting space and time travel!
Teehee I really love this bear! I love all the tiny details they put into each plushie in this series, and can’t wait to see all the cool details for what San-X has in store for us next!
This planetary plushie was released in July 2014 as a Rilakkuma Store Exclusive design for the summer Space Series. Since I loved so many of the designs from the Space Series, I limited myself to just the brown bear from this line – I think even then, Bear Nation has a pretty thriving space program!
Rilakkuma and friends off to the masquerade ball! 1,800円 each.
A beautiful playset! My favorite detail is the kuma ghost in the window (and the giant candy doesn’t look too bad, either). 10,000円.
Fantastic! I really love the direction they took with this year’s line – a masquerade party sounds spooky and fun (I’ve never been to one!). These Halloween bears will be released this weekend on September 6.
But wow, aren’t we just starting September? Preparing for Halloween now seems a little pre-emptive to me (though Halloween costume shops are beginning to pop up around my town), but maybe this is a sign that I should start working on a cool costume. Last year, Simon and I went as eggs & bacon! What do you hope to dress up as for Halloween this year?
Four awesome designs to match Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori, with unique designs on the temples! 4,900円 each
Awesome miniplushies with their own mobile devices, and a tag with a kuma wearing glasses, too! 1,300円 each.
This is such a cool collab! These glasses are specially designed to protect your eyes from the light from your PC and mobile devices, and the color themes are meant to match Rilakkuma and pals – and don’t they just look so smart in those glasses?
Of course, this isn’t the first time Rilakkuma has donned eye protection – the Aloha Rilakkuma series from last year also featured a bespectacled Rilakkuma!
Doesn’t kitten Korilakkuma look so sweet in her basket? Oooh a little plush taiyaki too! 2,700円
So cute! Looks like Lawson specials are starting to develop a pattern of their exclusives being in pot-like containers – last year, it was a pie for the Happy Natural Time Series, and this year, it’s a basket! It’s a cute motif, I think.
Pre-orders for this set are now open, but they aren’t scheduled to be delivered until January 19, 2015 (wah). Conveniently, Lawson specials like this are generally available online, so Tenso might be a good resource for international Rilakkuma fans looking for a good price!
The movie comes out November 1, and if you purchase a ticket in advance, you can get your hands on this lovely keychain plushie! Wow, I would love for American movies to have promotions like this hehehe
Browsing around the official Clover website, looks like the story revolves around a hotel employee who falls in love with her boss, and it is based on a manga series of the same name – not super sure how the movie has to do with Rilakkuma but haha Rilakkuma does look rather cute in green :)
WOW AND YUM! They’re takoyaki themed! I think Rilakkuma’s ear detail is my favorite part! 1,500円 each.
Excellent! Takoyaki (たこ焼き) is a yummy breaded octopus ball served with sauce and bonito shavings that was first invented in Osaka in 1935!
My family went to Osaka last year and had lots of takoyaki – mmmm! As Umeda is the major business district of Osaka, seems fitting to celebrate the oldest Rilakkuma Store’s 6th anniversary with such a tasty part of its history!
These plushies will be released on September 13 (same day as the Bridal Series). Looks like San-X will be continuing with mini-plushies for its anniversary lines – I have yet to get one of these mini-plushies, but I do have good memories of takoyaki from Osaka, so I might just have to jump for these hehehe.
Quite delayed posting about them on my part, but I blame school for that haha: check out the Rilakkuma Store/Kiddyland Exclusive Space Series Rilakkuma plushies!
The Rilakkuma space exploration unit!
With Rilakkuma, there is a cute yellow Kumartian you can move in and out of the spaceship – hello!
… and you can stick the little yellow Kumartian into the spaceship – so cute!! Also, looks like San-X has been promoting a lot of designs with this Rilakkuma pattern (clinging onto something with his head turned to the left).
Korilakkuma has made friends with another set of Kumartians – check out this pink Kumartian saying hello!
And a lovely aqua blue Kumartian on her other side as well!
Who could be inside here?
It’s Kiirotori in a hovercraft! And as a nice completion detail, Kii’s feet are still intact as well!
The bottom of Kiiroitori’s hovercraft!
Tag art! Three beautiful designs that match each of the plushies!
Korilakkuma’s is one of my favorite designs! Look at them trying to communicate in Kumartian language of dango and triangles haha. Though minor discrepancy, in this illustration, the Kumartians have 1 and 3 antennae, but they both have 2 in the plushie!
The Space Series is really one of my favorites!! Excellent craftsmanship (as always), and I can’t believe how adorable the Kumartians are!
I keep playing with the yellow Kumartian and putting him in different places throughout the day hehehe. How fantastic that Bear Nation now boasts a successful space program :D
This cosmic set was released as a Rilakkuma Store and Kiddyland exclusive for the Space Series on July 12!
I love their little paws and whiskers, and that they’re all different kinds of cats! Standard plushies for 1,680円 each
And of course, lots of other assorted goodies! Multi-function pouch for 1,500円, and tissue box cover for 2,980円. Since my allergy means cats make me sneeze, the tissue box cover is rather fitting (and useful)!
So lovely to see the marketing for this series starting up – we can expect this series to come out some time in October of this year, so stay tuned! I’m still crossing my fingers for a taiyaki-themed special edition plush!
The official name for this series is のんびりネコテーマ, which roughly translates to “relaxing cat theme” – pretty straightfoward haha.
Looks like Rilakkuma and friends are getting in touch with their agricultural side, and donning denim overalls for harvest! Super fitting, as Hokkaido ranks first in Japan for agricultural production, and is home to the Sapporo Agricultural College!
These mini-farmers will be a cool 1,500円 each, and will be released on September 6th!
So interesting! Apparently, these bracelets can withstand water and rust, and are meant for people who have metal allergies – how thoughtful! I think these look light and fun for the end of summer!
These bracelets will be available in many different stores, and will be 1,000円 each. Hehehe, if I got these, I’d probably just let my kumas wear them.
I have a few more bears (space and otherwise) to write about, but in the meantime, what do you all think of the new releases? I would love to hear!
On the school side, my school work is really ramping up! I’m studying heart sounds and murmurs all day now, so hopefully I’ll be a pro soon!
RilakkumaLifestyle 